Microphone with a plurality of hand connectable control electrodes

ABSTRACT

A hand-held microphone electrically connected with a soundrecording and reproducing apparatus and including a housing containing an electroacoustic transmitter and a plurality of electrodes mounted on the outside of the housing, at least one electrode being a counter electrode and other electrodes constituting control electrodes. The electrodes are selectively interconnected, through the operator&#39;&#39;s hand, to actuate the recording and reproducing functions of the apparatus.

United States Patent MICROPHONE WITH A PLURALITY OF HAND CONNECTABLECONTROL ELECTRODES 20 Claims, 4 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl l79/100.l Int. Cl l r ..G11b 19/16 Field of Search 179/ 1001 DR,6R, 1SW,2R;274/l, 17;

ZOO/157(Inquired) [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,576,92912/1951 Evcolino 200/159X 3,418,432 12/1968 Boggs l79/l00.1

Primary Examiner-Bernard Konick Assistant ExaminerRaymond F. Cardillo,Jr. Attorney-Stevens, Davis, Miller & Mosher ABSTRACT: A hand-heldmicrophone electrically connected with a sound-recording and reproducingapparatus and including a housing containing an electroacoustictransmitter and a plurality of electrodes mounted on the outside of thehousing, at least one electrode being a counter electrode and otherelectrodes constituting control electrodes. The electrodes areselectively interconnected, through the operators hand, to actuate therecording and reproducing functions of the apparatus.

25 RE g7 (011mm [MU/P0- B 27 mum/17m fz/p-rwp Fh' 29 RE I MICROPHONEWITH A PLURALITY OF HAND CONNECTABLE CONTROL ELECTRODES The presentinvention relates to hand-held microphones, for example, thoseincorporated in handles used in combination with sound-recording andreproducing equipment, especially dictating machines. The knownmicrophones generally consist of an electroacoustic transmitter builtinto a housing and means to selectively energize the transmitter for usein soundrecording and reproduction modes. The microphone is connected toa recording and reproducing apparatus by means of a cable, and controlof the apparatus is accomplished through selective interconnection ofelectrodes mounted on the outside of the housing. The electrodes, whenselectively connected, complete electronic circuits, preferablysemiconductor or other solid-state circuits, in the microphone housingitself and/or in the sound-recording and reproducing apparatuselectrically connected thereto. The circuits in turn cause the actuationof the selected recording and reproduction mode.

it is well known to provide electrodes in the housing of a microphonefor galvanically and/or capacitively controlling electronic switches.Such switches are used to control the operational modes of thesound-recording and reproducing apparatus connected to the microphone.This may be accomplished either directly or through interposedmechanical switches, for example, relays, mechanical clutches and thelike. With these constructions, the circuit associated with theelectrodes are accommodated either in the microphone housing itselfand/or in the sound-recording and reproducing apparatus connectedthereto.

The hitherto known microphones carry generally four electrodes. One ofthese electrodes usually serves to supply the control voltage or currentfor controlling the switching circuits. The other electrodes areindividually connected galvanically or capacitively to the voltage orcurrent electrode by means of the operator's finger or hand and finger.These other electrodes supply the control voltage or current to theindividual switching circuits.

The disadvantage of these known constructions is that the three controlelectrodes for the switching circuits take up a relatively large spaceon the housing. There is also the danger that the close juxtaposition ofthe electrodes and of the electrode for supplying the control voltage orcurrent may give rise to wrong circuit connections via leakage paths inthe housing.

The present invention has as an object to avoid the above disadvantages.In addition, the invention has for an object to provide considerablesimplification and greater comfort of operation of the microphone by theoperator.

The foregoing objects are achieved in that the outside of the housingcarries only three electrodes, one of which serves as a counterelectrodeand the remaining two as control electrodes for controlling theoperations of the sound-recording and reproducing apparatus connectedthereto. This also permits the construction of a small and convenientlyusable microphone.

The counterelectrode is preferably mounted on the housing in such a waythat it is associated with the palm of the operators hand in normal use.

The counterelectrode further can comprise two or more portions which aremechanically separated on the surface of the housing but areelectrically interconnected.

The control electrodes, for actuating the control operations, areassociated with that portion of the microphone housing readilyaccessible to fingers or thumb and fingers of the operator's hand.However, in view of the position of the electrodes on the outside of thehousing, the control electrodes should also be readily accessible to twofingers, for example, the index finger and the middle finger of the handholding the microphone.

The control electrodes are preferably located on the side of themicrophone housing which is to face the sound source. The connectionbetween the control electrodes and the counterelectrode is brought aboutby the hand holding the microphone. By making a manual connectionbetween one control electrode and the counterelectrode, one particularoperation of sound recording and reproducing is actuated and asequential operation is actuated when this connection is broken. It ispreferable if one of the control electrodes is associated with theoperation play and record and the sequential operation stop and norecording while the other control electrode is associated with theoperation return and no recording or reproduction with the sequentialoperation play and electroacoustic reproduction."

In the event of a common connection of both control electrodes to thecounterelectrode a predominating operation is brought about which maycorrespond to the operation of one of the control electrodes.Accordingly, the opening of this common connection actuates thesequential operation associated with the predominating operation. Forexample, with a common connection of both control electrodes to thecounterelectrode,it ispossible to bring about the operation return andno recording or reproduction as the predominating operation. Afterbreaking this common connection with the counterelectrode, thesequential operation play and electroacoustic reproduction becomeseffective.

Of course, it is possible that, with acommon connection of both controlelectrodes to the counterelectrode, a further operation will be broughtabout while a sequential operation will take place upon breaking thecommon connection with the connector electrode. This sequentialoperation can also be a further sequential operation or one of thesequential operations associated with either of the control electrodes.

Upon opening the common connection of both control electrodes with thecounterelectrode and a simultaneous connection of one of the controlelectrodes to the counterelectrode, the operation of this controlelectrode becomes effective.

While it should be observed that the hand of the operator is serving asan electrically conductive connection between the electrodes, it is tobe noted that such contact would not prove to be uncomfortable. If theresistance of the operators hand is taken as the normal approximate lmegohm, then with a maximum permissible voltage of 30 volts, a currenton the order of a magnitude of 3 X 10- amperes will flow through thehand. This current is so low that it is not only completely free ofdanger but cannot normally be noted by the operator.

The means for accomplishing the foregoing objects and other advantages,which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, are set forth in thefollowing specification and claims and are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings dealing in a basic embodiment of the presentinvention. Reference is made now to the drawings in which:

FIG. I is a longitudinal section through the inventive microphone takenalong line 1-1 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the microphone showing the side normally facingthe sound source and with a portion of the cover plate removed;

FIG. 3 is a transverse section through the microphone taken along line3-3 of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 is a block level schematic of the electrical circuitry containedwithin the microphone handle.

Referring now to FIG. 1 showing the inventive microphonein longitudinalsection, the microphone comprises a housing 10 having a sound-permeablecap 11, for example, a grid or perforated plate, and cover plate 12.Both the sound-permeable cap and the cover plate may be on the same sideof the microphone as shown in FIG. I; however, this is not necessarilyso.

Beneath the sound-permeable cap, there is a compartment 13 whichcontains a suitable electroacoustic transmitter 14, here shown merely asa block. Lead wires 15 connect the electroacoustical transmitter to theelectronic amplifying components which will be discussed later. Thesecomponents have been schematically represented by the block 16 mountedon the printed circuit board 17. The printed circuit board is likewiseconnected through terminal strip 33 to an electrical cord 18 whichpasses out of the microphone housing and is connected to a suitablerecording and reproducing apparatus, not shown.

Mounted on one side of the housing lll'are a-pair of control!electrodes'19 and 20. On the opposite-side of the 'housinga propriateinscription, such as a R/S or aRlP standing for record/stop andretumlplayback, respectively, These letters designate the operation andsequential'operation associated with the respective control electrode.If we-assume the illus-- tration above, the electrode 19 will, uponbeing connected to the counterelectrode, control the operation play andrecord and, upon breaking connection with the counterelectrode, energizethe sequential operationstop andno recording."

Upon connecting of the counterelectrode '21- to tl'iescontrol electrode20, the operation returnand.no'recording, or reproduction will takeplace, and upon breakingthis-connection, the sequential function play,and electroacoustic reproductionwill take place. V

If sound recording is nection between the control electrode1'9 and the.counterelec trode 21 isremade and dictation may be continued.lfthemachine is to be stopped during or after listening to theplayback,the electrode 19 is momentarily touched 'and then immediately releasedagain so that the sequential operation istop and no recordingbecomeseffective.

The arrangement of the electrodes as shown: in FIGS. land.

2 is particularly advantageousfsince both control electrodes may beactuated by the thumb'and the microphoneheld in either the right or lefthand with the fingers graspingthe coun.-'

terelectrode. Other suitable positioning of-the control 'elec trodes,such as longitudinalspacing, will be apparent' tothei skilled artisan,the invention not being-limited to thezspecificlocation of theelectrodes as illustrated.

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the microphoneas it wouldbe viewed from thesound source, normally theoperator himself; Only the two controlelectrodes are: visible, the counterelecto be continued after playingbackj a". portion of the recording, then, as describedabove, the con-qthem with a flanged. rim so that the operator will be able to morepositively feel and correctly position his finger and thus be ableto'ascertain whetherthe machine has been actuated or not without looking atit. w

FlGi 3 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG, 1showing the countersunk position of the control electrodes :19v and 20.and the thin film forming the counterelectrode 21 on the reverse side ofthe housing. ltshould be noted that, for the sake of clarity,- theelectrodes. have been shown on :a. disproportionately enlarged scale inorder to obtain the necessary hatchinglt will be readily appreciatedthat the electrode: may be formed from. an electroplated material and bejust a thin'film.

Turning-now to FIG. 4, this FIG. illustrates a schematic block diagramof the control block 16 of F IG. 1. This circuit is merely; exemplary,and it should be noted that the switching functions could be carried outby a large number of other suitable circuits. Further, the circuitry maybe located in the microphone'housing-as shown in H05. 1 to 3 or in therecording and.'reproducingapparatus itself. In the diagram there isshown a terminal strip 33 forconnecting the microphone to the amplifierof the recorder apparatus, to the relays for controlling recording andplayback of the recorder apparatus, to the electrical and mechanicaldevices for forward and return control of the recording medium, as wellas for the voltage supply. The circuit consists essentially of threesemiconductor amplifiers. which are-connected between the 'controlelectrodes and the terminal strip. The. three amplifiers are therecording'control amplifier, the return control amplifier, and theforward control amplifier. The circuit further includes a bistablesemiconductor switching circuit.

The recordingvoltage amplifier 24 is controlled by making contactbetween the record/stop control electrode 19 and counterelectrode 21.The recorder apparatus is energized for recordingi with this contactmade. Upon breaking this contact, the sequential function stop isactuated. The return/playback amplifierllil is controlled by makingcontact between the return/playback'electrode 2i) and counterelectrode21. The

" being on the reverse Side of the mlcrol'ihgnehouslng: It functionreturn is energized by making this contact, and upon may be clearlyseen. that thisdesign of the housing is particu-' larly advantageoussince the cover plateuII-inay be readilyg removed to provide access toeither of the control electrodes 19 or 20 as well as to the electroniccomponents in the block 16, the lead wires 15, terminal strip 33, andcord'1 8.

The back of the microphone housingshowrr will normally;

be associated with a portion of the operatorshand. lf'it-was desired tohave complete thumb operation, the operator would grasp the microphonehousing with his hand positioned. so that his fingers wrap around thec'ounterelectrodev placing. the thumb'in a position where the controlelectrodes would be readily in reach. The housing 'couldlalso begraspedsoithat the: counterelectrode rested upon the palm of the'operatorshand with one control electrode being operated bytheforefinger and the other being operated by the thumb. Thehousingcouldbe further rotated in the operators hand so that both:control electrodes would be accessible to eitherthe forefinger alone orthe forefinger and the index finger;

It should be noted that the counterelect'rodes aremechanically isolatedbut electrically connected tothe electronic amplifying components inblock ld. The relatively large distance between the control electrodesand thecounterelectrode, with the electrodes being oppositely directedon the casing, will. practically eliminate anyerror in-making connectiondueto faulty insulation, dirt on the surface, or humidity of the air.

The very large areas of contact between the palm of'the hand and thecounterelectrode will give an-extremely lowcontact" resistance. Thecontrol electrodes are readily availabletothe tips of the operatorsfingers so that a largesurface .area with low contact resistance isavailable.

. fier'24'through capacitor 26 and fed to the bistable flip-flop 27LTheflip-flopis triggered by the control pulse and sends a signal throughtheforward control amplifier 28 and along line 29:10 shift the drivingportion of the recorder apparatus to a forward mode; I v

Upon actuation of the sequential function, by breaking connectionbetween the record/stop and counterelectrodes, the bistable flip-flop istriggered from the forward condition to the stop condition sending anappropriate signal to stop the drive mechanism of the recorderapparatus.

If the return/control amplifier 3G is energized by closing contactbetween the return/reproduction contact 20 and counterelectrode 21, acontrol signal is passed from the output ofamplifier 30 via the returnline 31 to the recorder apparatus and toenergize the drive thereof forreturn operation. When this contact is broken, a forward signal ispassed over the same line to effect a playback function. A control pulseis taken from the output of return amplifier 30 via the capacitor 32 totrigger the bistable flip-flop 27. The flip-flop will send a furthersignal through the forward control amplifier 28 and the forward line 29to obtain forward drive for reproduction of the recorded signals.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Thepresent embodiment is therefore to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention beingindicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing descriptionand all changes which come within the mean ng and range of equivalencyof the claims are therefore to be embraced therein.

lclaim:

l. A hand microphone for use with a recording and playback machine,comprising a housing, an electroacoustic transducer mounted in thehousing and connected with the recording and playback machine, at leastthree electrodes mounted on the housing, one of which is acounterelectrode and the other electrodes are control electrodes,amplifying and control means in the said housing and connected on theone hand with the electroacoustic transducer and the three electrodes insuch a manner that a controlling and amplifying of control signalsproduced by the connecting of the electrodes through the hand of theoperator is effected, and which means on the other hand are connectedwith elements which initiate and control the functions of the recordingand playback machine.

2. A hand microphone according to claim 1 in which said amplifying andcontrol means comprises control amplifiers and at least one bistableflip-flop circuit.

3. A hand microphone for use with a recording and playback machine,comprising a housing, an electroacoustic transducer mounted in saidhousing and connected with the recording and playback machine, at leastthree electrodes mounted on the housing, one of which is acounterelectrode and the other electrodes are control electrodes,amplifying and control means in the recording and playback machineselectively connected on the one had with the electroacoustic transducerand the three electrodes in such a manner that a controlling andamplifying of control signals produced by the connecting of theelectrodes through the hand of the operator is effected, and which meanson the other hand are connected with elements which initiate andcontrol, the functions of the recording and playback apparatus.

4. A hand microphone according to claim 3 in which said amplifying andcontrol means comprises control amplifiers and at least one bistablesemiconductor-switching circuit.

5. A hand microphone according to claim 3 in which said amplifying andcontrol means comprises control amplifiers and at least one bistableflip-flop circuit.

6. A hand microphone for use with a recording and playback machine,comprising a housing, an electroacoustic transducer mounted in saidhousing and connected with the recording and playback machine, at leastthree electrodes arranged on the housing, one of which is acounterelectrode, while the other electrodes are control electrodes,amplifying and control means mounted in the housing and comprisingcontrol amplifiers, as well as at least one bistable semiconductorswitching circuit cooperating with same, said amplifying and controlmeans being selectively connected with the electroacoustic transducerand the three electrodes in such a manner that a controlling andamplifying of control signals produced by the connecting of theelectrodes by the hand of the operator is effected by them, and which onthe other hand are connected with the elements initiating the functionsof the recording and playback machine and which control them.

7. A hand microphone according to claim 6 in which said counterelectrodeis mounted on the housing on the side opposite the direction of thesound source whereby it will be readily contacted by the palm of theoperator's hand.

8. A hand microphone according to claim 6 in which said counterelectrodecomprises at least two portions mounted on the surface of said housing,said portions being mechanically separated but electricallyinterconnected.

9. A hand microphone according to claim 6 in which said controlelectrodes are positioned on said housing so as to be readily,accessible to the fingers of the operator's hand when holdin themicrophone.

10. A hand microphone according to claim 6 in which said controlelectrodes are positioned with respect to the fingers of the operatorshand holding the microphone.

11. A hand microphone according to claim 6 wherein said controlelectrodes are positioned so as to be readily accessible to the thumb ofthe operators hand holding the microphone.

12. A hand microphone according to claim 6 in which said controlelectrodes are mounted on the side of the housing facing the source ofsound.

13. A hand microphone according to claim 6 in which the connection ofone control electrode with the counterelectrode actuates one function ofsaid apparatus and opening of said connection actuates a sequentialfunction of said recording and reproducing apparatus.

14. A hand microphone according to claim 6 wherein one of the controlelectrodes is operatively connected to actuate the function play andrecord and the sequential function stop and no recording and the othersaid control electrode is operatively connected to actuate the functionreturn and no recording or reproduction and the sequential function playand electroacoustic reproduction."

15. A hand microphone according to claim 6 in which said controlelectrodes are countersunk in said housing.

16. A hand microphone according to claim 6 in which a raised flangeprojects from said housing and encloses the periphery of said controlelectrodes.

17. A hand microphone according to claim 6 in which said amplifyingcontrol means contained in said housing are solidstate semiconductorcircuits.

18. A hand microphone according to claim 6 in which saidcounterelectrode is a thin film formed on said housing.

19. A hand microphone according to claim 6 in which a common connectionof both said control electrodes to said counterelectrode causes apredominating function of said machine corresponding to the functioncontrolled by one of said control electrodes and the breaking of saidcommon connection actuates the sequential operation.

20. A hand microphone according to claim 19 in which said predominatingoperation is retum and no recording or reproduction and the sequentialoperation is play and electroacoustic reproduction.

1. A hand microphone for use with a recording and playback machine,comprising a housing, an electroacoustic transducer mounted in thehousing and connected with the recording and playback machine, at leastthree electrodes mounted on the housing, one of which is acounterelectrode and the other electrodes are control electrodes,amplifying and control means in the said housing and connected on theone hand with the electroacoustic transducer and the three electrodes insuch a manner that a controlling and amplifying of control signalsproduced by the connecting of the electrodes through the hand of theoperator is effected, and which means on the other hand are connectedwith elements which initiate and control the functions of the recordingand playback machine.
 2. A hand microphone according to claim 1 in whichsaid amplifying and control means comprises control amplifiers and atleast one bistable flip-flop circuit.
 3. A hand microphone for use witha recording and playback machine, comprising a housing, anelectroacoustic transducer mounted in said housing and connected withthe recording and playback machine, at least three electrodes mounted onthe housing, one of which is a counterelectrode and the other electrodesare control electrodes, amplifying and control means in the recordingand playback machine selectively connected on the one had with theelectroacoustic transducer and the three electrodes in such a mannerthat a controlling and amplifying of control signals produced by theconnecting of the electrodes through the hand of the operator iseffected, and which mEans on the other hand are connected with elementswhich initiate and control, the functions of the recording and playbackapparatus.
 4. A hand microphone according to claim 3 in which saidamplifying and control means comprises control amplifiers and at leastone bistable semiconductor-switching circuit.
 5. A hand microphoneaccording to claim 3 in which said amplifying and control meanscomprises control amplifiers and at least one bistable flip-flopcircuit.
 6. A hand microphone for use with a recording and playbackmachine, comprising a housing, an electroacoustic transducer mounted insaid housing and connected with the recording and playback machine, atleast three electrodes arranged on the housing, one of which is acounterelectrode, while the other electrodes are control electrodes,amplifying and control means mounted in the housing and comprisingcontrol amplifiers, as well as at least one bistable semiconductorswitching circuit cooperating with same, said amplifying and controlmeans being selectively connected with the electroacoustic transducerand the three electrodes in such a manner that a controlling andamplifying of control signals produced by the connecting of theelectrodes by the hand of the operator is effected by them, and which onthe other hand are connected with the elements initiating the functionsof the recording and playback machine and which control them.
 7. A handmicrophone according to claim 6 in which said counterelectrode ismounted on the housing on the side opposite the direction of the soundsource whereby it will be readily contacted by the palm of theoperator''s hand.
 8. A hand microphone according to claim 6 in whichsaid counterelectrode comprises at least two portions mounted on thesurface of said housing, said portions being mechanically separated butelectrically interconnected.
 9. A hand microphone according to claim 6in which said control electrodes are positioned on said housing so as tobe readily accessible to the fingers of the operator''s hand whenholding the microphone.
 10. A hand microphone according to claim 6 inwhich said control electrodes are positioned with respect to the fingersof the operator''s hand holding the microphone.
 11. A hand microphoneaccording to claim 6 wherein said control electrodes are positioned soas to be readily accessible to the thumb of the operator''s hand holdingthe microphone.
 12. A hand microphone according to claim 6 in which saidcontrol electrodes are mounted on the side of the housing facing thesource of sound.
 13. A hand microphone according to claim 6 in which theconnection of one control electrode with the counterelectrode actuatesone function of said apparatus and opening of said connection actuates asequential function of said recording and reproducing apparatus.
 14. Ahand microphone according to claim 6 wherein one of the controlelectrodes is operatively connected to actuate the function ''''play andrecord'''' and the sequential function ''''stop and no recording'''' andthe other said control electrode is operatively connected to actuate thefunction ''''return and no recording or reproduction'''' and thesequential function ''''play and electroacoustic reproduction.''''
 15. Ahand microphone according to claim 6 in which said control electrodesare countersunk in said housing.
 16. A hand microphone according toclaim 6 in which a raised flange projects from said housing and enclosesthe periphery of said control electrodes.
 17. A hand microphoneaccording to claim 6 in which said amplifying control means contained insaid housing are solid-state semiconductor circuits.
 18. A handmicrophone according to claim 6 in which said counterelectrode is a thinfilm formed on said housing.
 19. A hand microphone according to claim 6in which a common connection of both said control electrodes to saidcounterelectrode causes a predominating function of said machinecorresponding to the function controLled by one of said controlelectrodes and the breaking of said common connection actuates thesequential operation.
 20. A hand microphone according to claim 19 inwhich said predominating operation is ''''return and no recording orreproduction'''' and the sequential operation is ''''play andelectroacoustic reproduction.''''